Find somewhere quiet. This seems too obvious for words, but not only will you be far less likely to succumb to all sorts of distractions, but entering a special practice area, whether it's a certain room or just a corner of the living room, will help prepare you mentally for this very particular kind of work. Mindful intention is everything, and having the ritual of going to the same place every time can help set that intention.

Have your supplies nearby. I really love cellist David Finckel's "Cello Talks" 100-video series on YouTube; you don't have to play cello to get a lot out of many of them. Some of what he covers seems like impossibly basic advice — as in the discussion (below) of his practice space. Part of his advice is to keep a pencil sharpener and a very clean eraser within arm's reach, along with a pencil to mark up your music. Simple, right? But those little things are easy to forget, and if you have to go searching for them, add up to a big waste of time.

Technology can be an amazing aid — as long as you don't spend too much time futzing with it. Three free or low-cost apps I have on my phone and iPad: a metronome, a tuner and a timer, which are all essential tools for practicing. And I always have my phone with me (see above).

Begin with the end in mind: Have a goal for each practice session before you start playing. Just playing through your music isn't the same thing as practicing.Before you start, think: What do I want to accomplish today? If you're not sure what you need to focus on, ask your teacher for a few concrete goals to work toward before the next lesson — and write them down so that you can refer to them during your practice sessions.

Map a practice session out like a workout. Lots of musicians start with a few actual stretches and breathing exercises before they pick up their instruments. Even if you don't go quite that far, a pretty common scenario is to start with scales as a warm-up, to loosen up your muscles and get your brain thinking about technique; move on to the "working" part where you analyze and try to solve problems; then cool down by improvising or revisiting some music you already know well.

Practice smarter, not necessarily longer. You'll probably accomplish a whole lot more in a short amount of time if you have a very focused objective — and science tells us that we have a limited amount of willpower to draw upon anyway. So make the most of the time you have. Say you are having trouble with two very tricky measures. Set your timer for a short period (like five or 10 minutes), and then work just on one problem in as many ways as you can — break it down into even smaller and more manageable bits, go super slow, try to play the passage backwards, change the rhythm, whatever. If that trouble spot is still giving you agita, then make yourself a mental note to come back to that section again tomorrow. Chances are it will be much, much easier the next time around.

Don't always start at the beginning every time. Remember what I said about maximizing your time and your willpower? This. It can feel really good to hear yourself playing the beginning of a piece beautifully, but you may wind up wasting the limited time and energy you have. (Also, it leads to performances that start strong and then, well, wilt.)

Challenge yourself — physically. Especially if you're trying to wrestle down an element that you find problematic, scientific researchers say that if you add a physical challenge to the difficult task, such as trying to play that part while standing on one leg or while walking, your brain is likely to start carving out new neural pathways — and the original task will be easier when you return to just doing that.

Practice away from your instrument. Many musicians use visualization in the same way that athletes do: They run through their music without touching their instruments. Try bringing your music along with you (either on paper or a mobile device) when you know you'll have some downtime, such as during a car or train ride, and read through the piece silently.

Reward hard work — in positive ways — to help your brain automate good habits. That sounds like out-and-out bribery, but again, science! Finding something that your brain likes helps it remember the "habit loop," writes Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit.

Since the start of our new website back in April, we have reached over 10,000 visits! THANK YOU for visiting our website and supporting the GBHS Music Department. We hope that our website is a place that everyone can visit often, and keep up with all the amazing things our students are doing. As always, if you can not find what you are looking for, use the SEARCH button at the top of the page. THANK YOU!

We have recently added a 2013 Marching Band photo gallery to our website. CHECK IT OUT! We are always looking for more photos to add, so please submit your best shots. We will use photos from practice and performances. Follow the page below to see the recent band camp photos, and to submit your own. Enjoy!

The following is an e-mail that I received today. As we always discuss, being professional on and off the field is what makes you a champion. Your actions define you. I was very pleased to get this e-mail, and wanted to share it with you all. Great job!

Cory,

Just wanted to relate a story I heard from my wife. She hates using the bathrooms at the HS. Mostly because kids can act a little crazy and around my daughters that makes her nervous. Last night she was very impressed with your band students. She went in to the bathroom and your marchers were busy getting ready. They apologized for using up too much space, were helpful, said thank you to my daughter for picking something up they had dropped. My wife left feeling like these kids were wonderful! They were courteous, used manners and demonstrated respect. It is a wonderful reflection of our school and also of your program. So many times it's the things that people do when in uniform when not doing their jobs that make big impressions. Usually negative impressions! Your marchers are great on and off the field. Well done!

Band Parents, the first competition is coming up fast! We need snack donations for the bus ride home after each competition. The kids are usually starving and really appreciate the food. Please make sure the snacks are individually wrapped. The following are good choices: Rice Krispy treats, Goldfish, Cheezits, Pretzels, Animal Crackers, Slim Jims, Chips, Cookies, Fruit Chews/roll ups, snack/granola bars , etc.. Please, no candy. Donations can be dropped off or sent to band practice with your student.

Friday's Homecoming meal will be pizza. There are a handful of items to sign up to bring. Our biggest need is people to pick up pizza at 3:00. If you can donate or pick up pizza and bring it to school, please sign up here. Thank you!

The GBHS Marching Band Performance page has been updated. This should give you all a place to visit for the latest MB itineraries and show schedules. Be sure to click REFRESH in your browser to get the latest information. Schedules are posted as NOT FINAL or FINAL. Before you make plans, be sure that you are looking at a schedule marked FINAL. Click the button below to visit the marching band performance schedule page.

Last Friday, just before rehearsal ended, Christina Aubry-Morris suffered a medical emergency. Christina is Victoria Aubry's mother. She was taken to the hospital where they are currently trying to determine what happened. She is in critical-stable condition at this time. In an effort to help the family, and meal schedule has been set up. Below is a message from Elizabeth Stefanko, who is setting up the schedule.

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If you would like to sign up, you can access the meal schedule by clicking here, or by visiting TakeThemAMeal.com and locating the schedule by recipient last name (Morris) and password (4258).

This is a large family with 7 kids, so please keep them in mind when making your meal. There no food allergies. As of right now I have set this up for a month and for one meal every day of the week. I would like a minimum of 5 days per week filled and that would leave some time to eat the left overs, but I didn't want to take out any specific days of the week to meet others schedules better. Right now the drop off is going to be my house I will take it over to make it a bit easier on the family. Gary is spending most of his time with Christina and grandparents are helping out with the kids.

Schedules and classes are now in place and we are focused on a solid curriculum certain to make a difference in the life of every student in our music program. I would like to share some ways that you can help support our program.

Encouraging Parent. Competence is the result of dedicated "time on task". Music learning, music performance, and music appreciation are the outcomes of study, practice, and guided listening. With limited rehearsal time, it is imperative that students invest extra time in nurturing their talents and improving their skills. Please encourage a positive practice schedule. Remember that practice time must be framed as a benefit and not as a disciplinary penalty.

Loyal, Appreciative Audience. The best audience is always parents. You are faced with a full agenda in your personal and professional life, and you are challenged to adjust your schedule to accommodate every school function. However, your presence at our performances will mean more to your child than words can describe. Music is a family affair. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate your child's talent.

Booster Member. There are many ways to aid and participate in our parent support organization. Please join with other parents who realize the far-reaching potential of the arts and take advantage of the synergy created by sharing a common educational philosophy. This organization ensures the future of quality music education for your child and their fellow artists.

The music program at Grand Blanc High School continues to flourish because of a substantive curriculum, a well-informed and supportive administration, and exemplary parental support. You make a difference!

“In every successful business…there is one budget line that never gets cut. It’s called ‘Product Development’ – and it’s the key to any company’s future growth. Music education is critical to the product development of this nation’s most important resource – our children.”

Ronal "Ron" David Brewer passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Genesys Hospital surrounded by his family. His passing was peaceful in spite of his courageous and inspiring battle with the disease that finally claimed his body. Ron was born on March 27, 1949 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Robert H. Brewer and Delores (Peterson) Brewer. Ron attended Union City High School where he played football, basketball and baseball. He went to Central Michigan University where he served as the Manager for the Chippewas, was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and attained his degree in Secondary Education. His Masters Degrees came from Tampa University and Central Michigan University in the field of Education Administration. His love for Michigan State University and the University of Florida was evident to all who knew him. Being an old fashioned shop teacher helped him realize his dreams of coaching the offensive line for football teams in Hillsbourgh County Schools, Florida and Grand Blanc High School. During his lifetime, he owned and operated Grand Blanc Hardware for thirteen years. He served his community as a member of the Grand Blanc Fire Department, as President of the Grand Blanc Business Association and a member of the original Strategic Planning Committee for Grand Blanc Community Schools helping to set the vision for the education of the students he loved. Leading young people toward goals and lives they can be proud of was his passion as a classroom teacher, student advisor and offensive line football coach. His influence is reflected by the countless students who to this day, claim Coach Brewer as a lifelong friend.

Ron married his college sweetheart Jane (Ward) Brewer, August 15, 1970 and they were married for 43 years. He was the proud father of two daughters, Heidi Lynn (Bryan) Klochack of Grand Blanc and Kristin Jane Brewer of Palm Harbor, FL. His grandchildren, Peyton James Klochack and Kendall Jane Klochack meant the world to him and they loved their Grandpa Brewer. He leaves to cherish his memory, his father Robert H. (Sara) Brewer, brother Robert D. (Robin) Brewer; nieces Jennifer (Jim) Remington of Chantilly, VA and Lindsay (Kevin) Wickham of Austin, TX; great-nieces Elizabeth and Abigail Wickham of Austin, brothers-in-law, Richard (Nancy) Ward of Bonita Springs, FL and John (Meredith) Ward of Estero, FL.; his niece Katherine Jane (John) Gordon, nephews Ira Lance Ward and Ian Daly and great-nephews Jack and Ben Gordon. He also leaves his 93 year old mother-in-law, Jane (Day) Ward of Bonita Springs, FL. This completes his immediate family. Mr. Brewer considered many close friends as family especially Larry Smith and the Craig Smith/Vidcam family. He was a member of St. Christopher's Church in Grand Blanc due primarily to Father George Cleaves who supported Ron throughout his walk in faith and his long illness. Reverend Cleaves will celebrate a memorial service to be held at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 9020 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, MI on September 14, 2013 with visitation beginning at 11:00am and until the time of the service at 1:00pm. Cremation has already taken place. He was preceded in death by his mother, father-in-law Milton M. Ward, paternal grandmother Cora (Smith) Grimes, maternal Grandmother Irma (Albright) Peterson and grandfather Maurice "Todd" Peterson and tailgating partner Larry "Art" Polzin. The family thanks Genesys Hospital staff for their caring and compassion during his final hours and Ann Arbor Health Systems for their role in his on-going care. Thanks also to DaVita at Genesys for their wonderful care during his treatments. Donations in his memory can be made to St. Christopher's Building Fund, the Grand Blanc Educational Foundation or the Genesee County Humane Society.

Members Jackets - This jacket is available to any student who is a member of the GBHS Instrumental Music Department. Students can get their name and instrument on the front of the jacket. This jacket is OPTIONAL for members. Member jackets are only ordered a few time throughout the school year. Last day to order for the fall season is September 13th. Do not delay, ORDER TODAY. You can order your jacket in the charms store. Log into charms, click on the store icon, jackets are at the top. Jackets are available to try on for size. See Mr. Hutchison.

“In my own philanthropy and business endeavors, I have seen the critical role that the arts play in stimulating creativity and in developing vital communities...the arts have a crucial impact on our economy and are an important catalyst for learning, discovery, and achievement in our country.”– Paul G. Allen, Co-Founder, Microsoft